Tanzania eyes US$1.3B export goal to the UK by 2030

TANZANIA – Tanzania has set an ambitious target to raise exports to the United Kingdom to £1 billion (US$1.26 billion) by 2030, with fresh produce at the center of this growth plan.

The High Commission of Tanzania in London says coordinated efforts and closer ties between the two countries will be critical in reaching this goal.

Tanzania’s High Commissioner to the UK, Mbelwa Kairuki, said the target depends on building trust with British buyers and ensuring local exporters meet strict market demands.

“To facilitate this process, the High Commission has prepared a briefing document that provides critical insights into market expectations, regulatory and compliance requirements, and strategies for building credibility with buyers,” he explained.

The briefing gives exporters a checklist to guide their operations toward UK standards and directs them to platforms and institutions that can help with compliance and business linkages.

According to Kairuki, British demand for fruits and vegetables remains steady throughout the year, which presents Tanzanian producers with a chance to expand their reach. He noted that exporters should focus on quality, consistent volumes, competitive pricing, and packaging that keeps produce fresh during transport.

Among the crops with high potential are Hass avocados, okra, purple passion fruit, ginger, bitter melon, and oriental vegetables such as Chinese and Thai eggplants, especially during the UK winter. Sweet potatoes and plantains also hold strong prospects in the market.

Despite these openings, Kairuki cautioned that some crops face stiff competition. Pineapples and jackfruit already come in large volumes from Latin America at lower sea freight costs, while much of the UK’s tomato and red cabbage demand is supplied by European producers using road freight.

Still, Kairuki pointed to growing demand for fresh herbs in the UK, driven by restaurants, food service suppliers, and health-conscious consumers.

“Tanzania is well-positioned to supply chives, basil, and other specialty herbs, provided exporters can maintain freshness through reliable cold chain logistics and strong packaging,” he said.

Herbs mostly travel by air, which aligns with Tanzania’s seasonal advantages and proximity to the UK. Though volumes remain smaller than avocados, herbs bring higher margins and give smallholder farmers and niche agribusinesses a path into the British market.

Kairuki stressed that credibility with buyers, quality assurance, and compliance with UK rules will define Tanzania’s success. “If we want to reach the £1 billion target, exporters must see compliance not as an option but as a requirement,” he said.

The renewed export drive comes as Tanzania also strengthens trade ties beyond horticulture. Earlier this year, the country entered talks with UK businesses on expanding cooperation in energy, manufacturing, and tourism.

These broader links, alongside the export plan, are expected to create a stronger foundation for Tanzania’s economic growth.

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